The Elm Street Center
Greensboro, NC 27401
(map) Phone: 336-230-1588
Reviews for The Elm Street Center
GUEST
The Elm Street Center was the perfect place for our reception. During our reception search we looked at a lot of different places but when I walked into the Regency Room and down the staircase I knew I'd find "the place". The staff was great to work with and let us visit the space a couple of times before our wedding day to go over logistics with our wedding planner as well as let us rehearse our wedding dance with our wedding planner. The space was absolutely beautiful and well-maintained and a perfect location in the middle of downtown Greensboro.
GUEST
We held our wedding reception at the Empire Room and truly enjoyed the venue, as well as the staff.
Bill, the general manager, was incredibly helpful through the entire process, speaking with us at length via phone and email and helping us in person several times as we prepared for the big day. On the weekend of our wedding, he truly shined in his ability to meet our needs, facilitate all vendors, and make last-minute changes to make our night truly beautiful and memorable! Simply put, Bill is amazing!
The venue is grand and utterly gorgeous, and it can meet many needs in terms of reception size. With just a few small extra decorations (which can add up quickly!), we presented an elegant and breathtaking evening to all our guests.
Our only qualms with using the Empire Room were a) that it was a bit expensive and b) that there was some rigidity for food and alcohol. To the first point, the expenses did include setup, teardown, security, parking, and all the staff for our event. Plus, we were able to set up the venue well in advance and consult with Bill as much as we needed.
On the second point, in using the Empire Room, clients must agree to use their caterer and their provisions for all alcohol. The caterer, Painted Plate, is absolutely wonderful and delicious. Reasonably priced, as well. We mention this, though, because we'd originally wanted to explore other food options for our wedding and were unable to do so. Similarly for alcohol, the selections are somewhat limited and fairly expensive for their "go to" supply. We spent a lot more on alcohol than we anticipated. Bill was still helpful in meeting our needs and did offer the option to have beers outside of their selections; the only catch was that we were required to pay for them upfront and take them home afterward. Not an ideal if you're paying premium prices for them!
All in all, however, we would reiterate the exceptional quality of service, responsiveness, beauty of venue, professionalism and flexibility of staff as definite reasons to consider the Elm Street Center/Empire Room as your wedding venue of choice. We are so grateful for our amazing...
GUEST
This vendor started out PERFECT. I loved my venue. It was the most gorgeous place I had ever been. The general manager was always responding to my emails promptly, he let me come in whenever I wanted to, and he was just a great guy. I booked it the August before my wedding, so all throughout the winter, I was able to get in touch with no problem. Once wedding season hit, it turned into a mess but I understood the manager was too busy to talk and I wasn't his only bride. Then I had trouble trying to get my final balance because no one would answer the phone. The day of my wedding rehearsal, the AC broke at the Elm street center. They assured me it would be fixed for my wedding- without a doubt. I'm not quite sure what all went wrong from there, but I understand that they did the best to fix the AC, yet it did not work. I lost more money that day than ever. After my mom hassled them long enough- they repaid us for the cost of the room rental, which at first was good enough. The promised to pay us back for the cake, which MELTED- but we still have not heard back about it. The general manager (who was supposed to be my coordinator) completely disappeared on my wedding day leaving me without answers to tell my guests about the heat. 3/4 of my guests were elderly and left because of the heat, causing my $18 a plate food to be wasted. No one wanted to eat because it was so hot. My centerpieces had $100 worth of Hershey Kisses that melted. My wedding cake melted and we had to cut the cake right after the first dance because it almost fell over. My wedding day was an epic fail because the heat ruined everything and drove my guests away. I'm left with over 50 favors because people left before I got the chance to give them out. The service was great from the staff until they were under pressure. Then the manager hid in his office in order to not deal with us. I will never reccommend anyone there. I'm still waiting for a check on the cake by the way, Bill!
Vendor response to review
Fortunately I am rarely required to write responses to reviews like this. As one of the Triad’s premiere venues, we pride ourselves on our support and customer service; we excel in spoiling our brides with attention and service.
We know this was a difficult situation and we truly exhausted every avenue at our disposal, and beyond, to prevent the outcome you experienced. Because of the gravity of the situation we were facing, I chose to remain for the entire event, making sure that you, your groom and guests were well taken of. This action, allowed my General Manager, Bill, to focus his attention and energy on the problem, working side by side with the team experts who were diligently installing a portable, building sized, air conditioner. Sadly, our efforts were in vain as we ran into road block after road block to have the unit up and running by the time your reception began.
Once it was determined that the most probable outcome would be a reception with no air conditioning, Bill and myself had several conversations with your Groom and your father. We assured them both, no matter what happened, we would “make things right” and we did; a full refund from the Elm Street Center and the addition of an open bar at no cost to you, just to name a few.
After reading this review, my team and I are saddened that we did not fully make amends for the situation. Although there is no way to “do over” your special day, given your post on our Facebook page “It was hot but had a great time” and the satisfaction of a full refund that day, we thought we had an agreeable resolution. Again, on behalf of my team and myself I extend our deepest apologies for spoiling what should have been a perfect day, that was not our goal.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions as my follow up has been unwelcome.
Sincerely,
Brad B. Semon
Managing Partner
The Empire Room
GUEST
The Empire Room at The Elm Street Center was TO DIE FOR. Our wedding was very elegant and classic. The chandeliers, rotundas, terraces, 30 foot ceilings, and most importantly...the venue manager BILL FALCOLN made our event breathtakingly beautiful. I would recommend this place to ANYONE. If you use Empire Room, then you will have to use Painted Plate as your caterer, but you can bring in your own cake vendor. But Painted Plate is phenomenal so don't worry AT ALL. Bill Falcoln and our venue were two of our favorite things...and we am so glad we had the opportunity to work with them! - The Thomases
GUEST
The Elm Street Center was PERFECT! The staff was absolutely wonderful and professional. They were so easy to work with and provided the utmost quality of service. I would recommend this venue to any bride or anyone planning an event. Our reception was everything I dreamed of and The Elm Street Center helped make our special day perfect!
GUEST
I loved the empire room it was a beautiful setting for my reception! The staff there will do anything you want and are very quick about responding to mine and my families emails! They did everything they could to make my day a success and even assisted with putting my centerpieces, frames and anything else I needed on the tables or in the room! Would suggest them to any of my bride friends!
GUEST
I loved working with this staff! They were excellent. Allison was always able to help me or find the help I was seeking. The room was spectacular. I didn't have to worry about a thing! Everything was set up beautifully and on time.
GUEST
Great Location at a great price! Catherine was great to work with and all was wonderful! I used this location for reception only as I felt it was not appropriate for the wedding ceremony but perfect for the reception.
I've been enjoying this venue for all of the 18 years I've been in Greensboro! Beautifully run, wonderfully located, close to parking garages as well as on-the-street-parking, home to absolute professionals at making your experience fantastic--be sure to check this out for a fantastic downtown vibe!
A GREAT place to have a wedding!!!! Once of the best in Greensboro!!
Great personnel, great catering, extremely photography friendly-----
I just love that...
We have worked with Bill for the past few years. He has always made our lives as a vendor as easy as possible allowing us access for easy setup and breakdown. In addition he always goes above and beyond in making sure his client's expectations are met and exceeded every time. An amazing venue to hold any type of event.
The Elm Street center is one of my favorite Triad venues. Bill and the entire ESC staff are always helpful and extremely professional. Bill goes above and beyond for every client!
About The Elm Street Center
The Elm Street Center, located in the heart of historic Downtown Greensboro, is home to the Empire and Regency Ballrooms. Painstakingly renovated; the Empire Style décor of both ballrooms offer a timeless backdrop for your special day. Since opening in 2002, The Elm Street Center ballrooms have been unsurpassed in downtown Greensboro as the premiere venue for weddings and other special events for guests numbering 100 to 1000.
FAQ for The Elm Street Center
Our A/V package, which is included in the room rental, includes one wireless microphone (hand held or lavaliere), LCD projector and over-sized projection screen.
To be aware of your vision and listen to your ideas
To help create a signature experience for you and your guests
To remain positive and professional in our interactions with you and all involved vendors
To embrace and celebrate diversity in all its richness by creating a work environment and customer experience that is free from discrimination of any kind*
To demand that all of our recommended vendors abide by the highest principles of ethics and professionalism
To refund the cost of services for any individual guest who feels that we have broken our promise(s)
*We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, disability, or veteran status.
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